Question:
Anyone return to a normal food pyramid diet and continue to loose?

I have been seeing a nutritionist and been gathering studies about post op health and nutrition. I have been advised to follow a normal food pyramid diet. I am continuing to loose slowly at 13 months post op. What concerns me is the limited amount of protein. I am having my labs checked every three months and my levels are normal. Then my other concern is calcium. I have heard the debates about the different forms of calcium, but what I am wondering is if all the excessive protein many of us are taking in with supplements is causing the calcium to be stripped from the bones and counteracting any calcium supplements we do take. I have seen a couple of studies supporting this and I was just wondering if anyone had any more info about any of this. Thanks!    — Virginia N. (posted on May 20, 2002)

May 20, 2002
Does your nutritionist work with a bariatric surgeon or in a hospital where WLS is performed? It is my understnding that we will have to eat protein first forever. Then add veggies, fruits and finally carbs if we are still hungry. You didn't say which surgery you had or how much you have lost in the 13 months. Your labs are normal so you must be doing something right. How long have you been following the food pyramid? Since it is heavily carbs, I'd be afraid of regain once the system gets used to this and you keep increasing the amounts you eat. We don't absorb all of the protein we eat so unless we over supplement, I don't think it would be a problem with the calcium. I do not supplement and my labs are all normal also. Good luck!
   — grammie5

May 20, 2002
It has always been my opinion that the "pro-protein" stance of many bariatric surgeons and also some people on this site is not only ridiculous but also is not nutritionally sound. We really do not need that much protein. I have had my protein levels tested three times since surgery and every single time they have been perfectly normal (even my pre-albumin levels!). Same with my B-12, calcium, iron, etc. Interestingly, I have followed the food pyramid since month 2 of my post-op journey! That means including dairy, whole grains, proteins (in moderation), some sugars/fats (in moderation), etc. I average an intake of between 1200-1500 cal/day at 14 months post-op and have lost 180 lbs. so far. (36.5 lbs. to go!) It is my personal opinion (and I gather an unpopular one) that we should follow a similar regimen to fitness gurus with "normal" plumbing. I know we have some malabsorption the first year after surgery, but each month, our bodies become better and better at absorbing the nutrients they need. The exception to this is calcium, iron and B-12, all of which should be supplemented. I do not believe we need to supplement our protein, especially as long-term post-ops. I have NEVER taken a protein supplement since my operation and am perfectly healthy/happy. Just my two cents, but I think too much protein is a tax on your kidneys and doesn't do all that much good unless you're a body builder.
   — Terissa R.